We’ve sorted our offerings from small to big this week, starting with the new Lego Technic Kawasaki Ninja H2R 1:8 scale model. From there, we step it up to a vintage Honda scrambler, a BMW R100 sleeper, and a Zero Engineering Type 9 shovelhead that’s up for sale.
Lego Technic Kawasaki Ninja H2R What do the Ducati Panigale V4, Yamaha MT10 SP, and BMW M 1000 RR have in common? You can build them all out of Lego, that’s what. And if none of those satisfy your thirst for a high-performance motorcycle in DIY block form, Lego Technic has now added the Kawasaki Ninja H2R to their catalog too.
The full-sized Kawasaki Ninja H2R is a 998 cc, four-cylinder, supercharged hyperbike capable of going 400 km/h [250 mph]. This 1:8 scale model features 643 pieces of Lego, stands 17 cm [6.5”] tall, and can go as fast as you can push it across a tabletop while making engine noises.
Billed for ages 10 and up, the Lego Technic Kawasaki Ninja H2R boasts the same level of detail as we’ve come to expect from the Danish toymaker. Not only have they nailed the look, but they’ve kitted the desktop-sized Ninja with an assortment of moving parts. The steering works, as do the forks, rear shock, and side stand.
All four of the Lego Ninja H2R’s pistons are articulated, and its gear shifter clicks through first, neutral, and second. And yes—there’s also a little Lego supercharger attached to it.
The build also sports the Ninja H2R’s aero winglets, and a handful of decals to match its 310 hp counterpart. All this for the price of $84.99 in the US, €79.99 in most parts of Europe, and £69.99 in the UK.
While we have little desire to own a 310-hp hyperbike that’ll likely get us arrested, we’re suckers for Lego Technic’s collection of highly-detailed motorcycles. This little machine wouldn’t just look good on our shelf, but it’d be a hoot to build (for kids of all ages) too. [More]
Honda 360 scrambler by Freeland Motorcycles It’s hard to know exactly what to call this charming scrambler from Ronnie Hansen, the guy behind Freeland Motorcycles in California. Inspiration for the project hit when he was building a Honda CB360 for a client, and figured that he should build another CB360 with a wilder vibe. But rather than grab a fresh CB360 donor, Ronnie pieced the machine together from various bits and pieces from his workshop.
Work started with the frame from a mid-70s Honda CJ360. The CJ was a cheaper and less popular version of the CB, lacking the CB’s sixth gear and electric starter. Ronnie de-tabbed the frame and had it painted gold.
A set of classic Honda SL350 forks went onto the front, with tall aftermarket shocks fitted out back. The wheels feature drum brake hubs and trials-style tires, while high-mounted fenders and a trimmed subframe nail that vintage scrambler aesthetic.
Another classic small-bore Honda twin lent the project its engine; the CL360, otherwise known as the scrambler version of the CB360. Ronnie swapped the stock carbs for tuned Mikunis with pod filters and added a two-into-one exhaust system that terminates in a reverse cone muffler. The high-riding exhaust system has been coated black, with custom-made heat shields at the rider’s leg.
For the bodywork, Ronnie sourced an aftermarket replica of the unmistakable Benelli Mojave fuel tank, matching it to a custom seat. A tiny headlight, scrambler bars, and vintage grips round out the parts spec, while a tasteful black and gold livery takes the bike over the finish line. [Source]
BMW R100 by Rind Performance This boxer has to be one of the slickest sleepers we’ve ever seen. The donor bike is a 1980 BMW R100, the style is modeled after the 1970s R50/5, and the running gear is all top-shelf.
It’s the work of Robin Ludwig from Rind Performance. Robin’s love of slash-five Beemers came from his grandfather, who owned an R50/5. Robin’s custom R100 is a modern homage to his grandad’s bike, blending actual R50/5 parts with the newer and faster R100 platform.
An R50/5 fuel tank sits up top, followed by an R50/5 saddle. Robin shortened the bike’s subframe and trimmed the length of the seat to give it a sportier look. The back end of the bike is finished off with a traditional BMW grab handle and a small round taillight.
The rear is propped up on a swish set of Öhlins piggyback shocks, with upside-down Showa forks doing duty up front. Laced 18” wheels wear Metzeler Racetec RR tires, and the front wheel sports a pair of Brembo brake calipers. A stainless steel exhaust system provides the soundtrack, while the engine’s been tuned to put out a usable 70 hp.
Robin kept the cockpit tidy with a relaxed set of street bars, LED bar-end turn signals, and a BMW R nineT headlight in a classic bucket, held by custom-made ears. If this isn’t the perfect mash-up of old-school looks and new-school performance, we don’t know what is. [Source]
For sale: Mark Sheppard’s 2019 Zero Engineering Type 9 Fans of the hit TV show, Supernatural, will know Mark Sheppard as the actor that plays Crowley. But we’re more interested in his love of motorcycles—and, more specifically, the gorgeous machines that he’s currently selling via Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
On the block right now is this 2019 Zero Engineering Type 9, built by Zero’s US branch in Las Vegas.
If you didn’t already know, Zero Engineering is a Japanese bike-building company that was founded by none other than Shinya Kimura in the early 90s. Kimura-san eventually moved on, but Zero continued to operate, eventually branching out to other countries. Zero Engineering USA builds bikes using the company’s signature frames and suspension, imported from Japan, with locally sourced engines and transmissions.
Mark Sheppard’s bike follows the standard Zero Engineering Type 9 blueprint. The steel gooseneck frame is a proprietary Zero part, as is the unique multi-link rear suspension and the springer-style front end. The bike rolls on spoked wheels and stops courtesy of a Brembo front brake and a Wilwood rear.
It’s powered by a 93 ci S&S Cycle shovelhead motor, with an S&S Super E carb, a five-speed Baker transmission, and an open primary, with a chain sending power to the rear wheel. The engine also features a chip that restricts its output until the bike is run in (the odometer currently shows just 358 miles).
In preparing for the Type 9’s auction, Iconic changed the oil and oil filter, replaced the battery, tightened the chain, and treated the bike to a thorough detailing. The auction closes in two days, so you’d better be quick. [More]
